Sports Physicals Clinic in Alpharetta, GA

During a sports physical, a healthcare professional typically performs a series of evaluations and screenings to assess an athlete’s overall health and readiness for physical activity. This may include:

– Medical history review: A discussion of the athlete’s medical history, including any previous injuries, illnesses, or conditions.

– Physical examination: A thorough examination of the athlete’s body, including:
o Vital signs
o Musculoskeletal evaluation: Assessment of range of motion, strength, and flexibility
o Neurological examination: Evaluation of reflexes, sensation, and coordination
o Cardiovascular evaluation: Assessment of heart function and blood pressure

– Review of medications: A review of any medications the athlete is taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.

– Screening tests: Various tests may be performed to identify potential issues, such as:
o Vision testing: A check for visual acuity and color perception
o Hearing testing: A check for hearing loss
o Blood tests: A check for blood-borne illnesses or other conditions

– Discussion of safety precautions: The healthcare provider may discuss safety precautions with the athlete, such as wearing protective gear or following proper training techniques.

The goal behind a sports physical is to make sure that the athlete is healthy enough to participate in their chosen sport or activity and to identify any potential issues that may arise during play.

A physical exam and a sports physical are both types of medical evaluations, but they have different purposes and focus on different aspects of an individual’s health. A physical exam is an overall routine examination of the body to assess overall health and identify any potential health problems. It is typically performed as a routine check-up or as part of a job requirement, such as for commercial pilots or truck drivers. The exam focuses on detecting underlying medical conditions, like high blood pressure, or heart disease.

On the other hand, a sports physical is a more specific evaluation designed to assess an individual’s fitness and readiness for physical activity or competitive sports. It is typically performed for athletes who are participating in organized sports or physical activities that require a high level of physical fitness. The exam focuses on detecting potential health risks or injuries that may be exacerbated by physical activity, such as concussions, musculoskeletal injuries, or cardiac conditions.

Before a physical exam, there are several things you should avoid doing to ensure a comprehensive and accurate evaluation. Here are a few suggestions of what not to do:

• Don’t eat a heavy meal beforehand, as it can lead to discomfort and make it difficult to accurately assess your blood pressure and other vital signs. It’s best to eat a light meal or snack about an hour before the exam.

• Don’t smoke or drink excessively in the hours leading up to the exam, as these habits can affect your vital signs and overall health.

• Avoid taking any medications that may affect your blood pressure, heart rate, or blood sugar levels, unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

• Don’t exercise strenuously or engage in physical activity that may cause dehydration or fatigue before the exam.

• Don’t wear tight clothing or jewelry that may cause discomfort or restrict your movement during the exam.

• Don’t try to hide or conceal any medical conditions or symptoms from your doctor. Honesty and openness are essential for a successful physical exam.

A sports physical, which most people also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), is a comprehensive evaluation that assesses an individual’s physical fitness and readiness to participate in sports or physical activity. The examination typically involves a thorough review of medical history, including previous injuries or illnesses, and any medications or allergies. A physical examination is then conducted, including vital signs, height and weight measurement, and a head-to-toe evaluation of the body, including the eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, back, and extremities. Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular examinations are also performed, including assessment of strength, your specific range of motion, and your flexibility levels as well as heart rate and rhythm. In addition, functional testing may be done to assess vision, hearing, and orthostatic tolerance. The healthcare provider will then discuss any potential health risks or concerns that may affect participation in sports or physical activity and provide recommendations for injury prevention and management. Finally, the healthcare provider will issue clearance to participate in the sport or activity, which may include modifications or restrictions to ensure safe participation. You can easily book your appointment online or contact us today. We serve patients from Alpharetta GA, Milton GA, Roswell GA, Johns Creek GA, Marietta GA, Woodstock GA, Canton GA, Cumming GA, and surrounding areas.